Mona Lisa target of soup attack in protest of 'diseased' farming system

The Mona Lisa is notably one of the world's most renowned paintings. Regrettably, the interest in the artwork isn't confined to mere viewing. In 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre by Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee at the world's most visited museum. The stolen piece was not recovered until two years later.

The painting by Leonardo da Vinci has also been the victim of varied attacks. One of the earliest instances of such an attack occurred in the 1950s when a visitor spilled acid onto the portrait, causing significant damage.

Another incident of such an attack was reported on Sunday by museum authorities. A video posted online shows two demonstrators bypassing barriers and splashing a viscous liquid on the 16th-century painting. They called for "healthy and balanced food", indicating that "the farming system is diseased".

There is ample evidence to suggest that the artwork did not sustain any damage, as it is fortified behind bulletproof glass. Such security measures are mainly implemented for conservation but, undoubtedly, they also protect the painting from numerous threats.

The AFP news agency reported that a crisis response team was deployed following the incident at the museum. The room housing the painting was immediately evacuated, and the clean-up process initiated.

Sunday's attack was not unprecedented. In May 2022, the painting was hit by a cream pie. The 36-year-old intruder covertly entered the museum room dressed as a wheelchair user. At a point, he stood up from the wheelchair and hurled the pie at the painting, subsequently dropping a rose on the floor.

Consider Earth. There are individuals actively harming the Earth. Reflect on this. All artists ought to think of Earth. That's why I did what I did. Consider the planet — the assailant stated at the time.